No Rucks Given Podcast

This week on No Rucks Given, the tables are turned.Ross Vintcent takes the interviewer’s seat as we finally dive into the story of NRG co-host Paul Brown-Bampoe - and the journey that took him all the way to professional rugby with Exeter Chiefs.Paul opens up on the road behind the shirt: his upbringing, his route into rugby, the setbacks and sacrifices along the way, and what it really took to turn the dream of professional sport into a reality.But this episode goes far beyond rugby.Paul speaks candidly about the pressures that come with chasing success, the lessons he’s learned away from the pitch, his faith, and how his perspective on achievement and purpose has changed as his career has progressed.From the kid with a dream to running out in the Premiership - this is the story you haven’t heard from the man usually asking the questions.Ross interviewing Paul. No hiding behind the mic this time. 👀🎙️ The Paul Brown-Bampoe Story🏉 The journey to professional rugby📈 Setbacks, sacrifice & ambition✝️ Faith, identity & purpose😂 And, as always, plenty of No Rucks GivenLike, subscribe and drop a comment with who you want to see on NRG next.#NoRucksGiven #NRGPodcast #Rugby #ExeterChiefs #RugbyPodcast

In this episode of No Rucks Given, we sit down with Italian international and Benetton back-row powerhouse Sebastian Negri.Born on a farm in Zimbabwe, Seb’s story is one of resilience, sacrifice and determination. Forced to leave his home country with his family during a period of political unrest, he grew up in South Africa before pursuing his rugby dream across three continents. From Zimbabwe to Durban, from Hartpury College in England to the international stage with Italy, Seb’s journey is unlike any other. We dive into his childhood experiences, the challenges his family faced, and how those early life lessons shaped the player and person he is today. Seb opens up about representing Italy through his father’s heritage, earning over 60 Test caps, competing in multiple Rugby World Cups, and helping lead the rise of Italian rugby on the international stage. We also discuss:• Growing up in Zimbabwe and South Africa• Leaving home and adapting to new cultures• His pathway through Hartpury and into professional rugby• Life at Benetton and in the URC• The evolution of Italian rugby• Six Nations highs and lows• Rugby World Cups and international competition• Leadership, mindset and overcoming adversity• Life beyond rugby and future ambitionsSebastian’s story is a powerful reminder that your circumstances don’t define your future. This is a conversation about identity, perseverance, family, and what it takes to compete at the highest level of world rugby.🎙️ No Rucks Given Podcast — bringing you the stories behind the game from the people living it.👍 Like, subscribe and leave a comment with your favourite part of the episode.#NoRucksGiven #SebastianNegri #ItalyRugby #BenettonRugby #SixNations #RugbyPodcast #RugbyUnion #ItalianRugby #URC #RugbyWorldCup

In this episode of No Rucks Given, we sit down with Tom Hooper to unpack his rugby journey. From under-9’s flyhalf to destructive Wallaby forward, he’s carried his enthusiasm and passion for the game across the pond to Exeter where he is making some serious waves. Tom “Hoops” Hooper approaches everyday with an attitude of getting better. That relentless energy and desire dictates his style of play.👍 Like & subscribe for fortnightly rugby podcasts🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts📲 Follow us on Instagram: @NoRucksGivenPodcast TikTok: @nrg.podcast#RugbyPodcast #EnglandRugby #ProfessionalRugby

In this episode of No Rucks Given, we sit down with Carwyn Tuipulotu to unpack a journey that’s had it all - early hype, tough setbacks, and a determined return to form. Now thriving at Pau, Carwyn shares the honest realities of chasing potential in professional rugby.👍 Like & subscribe for fortnightly rugby podcasts🎧 Listen on YouTube & Apple Podcasts📲 Follow us on Instagram: @NoRucksGivenPodcast TikTok: @nrg.podcast#RugbyPodcast #EnglandRugby #ProfessionalRugby

In this episode of No Rucks Given, we sat down with Stephen Lorenzo Varney before his six nations campaign with “THE ITALY”. We discuss his rise in professional rugby from uninterested golf player to an Italian International staple. Stephen’s work-rate, discipline and his all in/all out mentality offers a very unique perspective on how to make it to the international stage.👍 Like & subscribe for fortnightly rugby podcasts🎧 Listen on YouTube & Apple Podcasts📲 Follow us on Instagram: @NoRucksGivenPodcast TikTok: @nrg.podcast#RugbyPodcast #EnglandRugby #ProfessionalRugby